A rare beetle exhibition gathered a large crowd.

(A visiting girl)
“Can I touch them? They’re so cute!”

The event, titled “Beetle & Stag Beetle Land 2025,” allowed visitors to see and interact with rare beetles and stag beetles from around the world. It was held in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, on August 10 and 11.

The venue showcased approximately 50 species, including the world’s largest beetle, the Hercules beetle. There were also photo booths where visitors could take pictures with insects and quiz corners, which were particularly popular among children.

(A girl holding a stag beetle)
“It feels a bit hard and slippery!”
(A visiting father)
“Seeing beetles I’ve rarely encountered before is really exciting.” The children enjoyed interacting with the beetles and stag beetles with great curiosity, making it a memorable summer vacation experience.

Nishio City

Nishio City, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is renowned for its historic tea production, particularly *Nishio matcha*, a high-quality powdered green tea. The city has a rich samurai heritage, dating back to the Edo period when it was a castle town under the Tokugawa shogunate. Today, Nishio blends traditional tea culture with modern attractions, including scenic tea plantations and cultural festivals.

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a vibrant region known for its rich history, modern industry, and cultural heritage. It is home to Nagoya, its largest city, and historic sites such as Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate. Aichi is also a major industrial hub, hosting companies like Toyota, and features traditional arts like ceramics and festivals such as the Atsuta Shrine’s annual events.

Beetle & Stag Beetle Land 2025

“Beetle & Stag Beetle Land 2025” is an upcoming educational and interactive theme park in Japan dedicated to beetles and stag beetles, celebrating their cultural significance as popular pets and symbols of strength. Slated to open in 2025, the park will feature exhibits on beetle biology, breeding workshops, and live insect encounters, blending entertainment with conservation awareness. The project reflects Japan’s long-standing fascination with insects, particularly among children, and aims to promote environmental stewardship through hands-on learning.

Hercules beetle

The Hercules beetle (*Dynastes hercules*) is one of the largest and most iconic beetles in the world, known for its impressive size and distinctive horn-like pincers. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, it has been a subject of fascination in entomology and cultural symbolism, often representing strength and resilience. While not a traditional cultural site, it holds significance in local folklore and scientific study due to its remarkable physical traits and ecological role.